Schumacher to miss NHRA season opener at Pomona

Schumacher to miss NHRA season opener at Pomona

Eight-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher will not race at this weekend’s NHRA season-opening Lucas Oil Winternationals at Pomona.

The U.S. Army, Schumacher’s long-time sponsor, announced in July that it wouldn’t renew its nearly two-decades-old sponsorship with Don Schumacher Racing and the NHRA due to a reallocation of its marketing budget. Schumacher reiterated that he is still working on sponsorship.

The 49-year-old, who has 84 career wins (good for eighth all-time) and currently holds the NHRA record for most consecutive round-wins (31), insisted he isn’t retiring.

“For all the people asking, I have no plans to retire or take time off,” he said in a post on social media. “I drive a Top Fuel dragster and that is what I will continue to do for as long as I am able to. See y’all soon!”

“Tony Schumacher will not compete at the season-opener in Pomona,” DSR said in a statement. “DSR is actively seeking sponsorship for the Schumacher-piloted Top Fuel machine and looks forward to campaigning three dragsters during the 2019 season.”